Bexley gets first look at Giant Eagle Market District Express

The city's Planning Commission will review plans for the two-story, 30,000-square-foot store that will go atop the site of the former City Hall and maintenance garage on E. Main Street

Bexley residents can get their first look at renderings of Giant Eagle's planned Market District Express on Monday night.

The city's Planning Commission will review plans for the two-story, 30,000-square-foot store that will go atop the site of the former City Hall and maintenance garage on E. Main Street. The commission will also discuss Giant Eagle's request for a variance on required parking spaces -- 120 are required, but plans show just 98 spots.

The $6.5 million store, a scaled down version of the grocery chain's flagship Market District concept, will have a restaurant, sushi bar, curated grocery items, a pharmacy, deli, and wine and craft beer selections. The store will employ about 75 people, according to documents submitted to Bexley for Monday's meeting. The renderings show a second floor balcony with outdoor seating.

Giant Eagle opened its first Express location in December in Peters Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh. That location is about half the size of the one planned for Bexley -- single story instead of two.

If plans for the store are approved, the former City Hall and garage will be demolished to make room for the Market District Express. Giant Eagle did not release a timeline for the project.